Rules for a Lady

A Lady's Lessons #1

by Jade Lee, Katherine Greyle

A lady does not attempt to come out in London society disguised as her deceased half-sister. A lady does not become enamored of her guardian; even though his masterful kisses and whispered words of affection tempt her beyond all endurance. A lady may not climb barefoot from her bedroom on a rose trellis, nor engage in fisticuffs with riff-raff in order to rescue street urchins. No matter how impossible the odds, a lady always gives her hand and her heart--though not necessarily in that order--to the one man who sees her as she truly is and loves her despite her flagrant disobedience of every one of the rules for a lady.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance

311 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Librarian Note: Also writes under the pen name Kathy Lyons.

A USA Today Bestseller, JADE LEE has been scripting love stories since she first picked up a set of paper dolls. Ball gowns and rakish lords caught her attention early (thank you Georgette Heyer), and her fascination with the Regency began. An author of more than 40 romance novels and winner of dozens of industry awards, her latest series is RAKES AND ROGUES. The first one, 50 WAYS TO RUIN A RAKE, is an awesome tale of love and laughter.
And don’t forget Kathy Lyons.. She’s Jade’s paranormal half. Check out her new shifter series GRIZZLIES GONE WILD.
To find all the latest news on Jade or Kathy, visit them at www.jadeleeauthor.com or www.kathylyons.com! And find out where you can meet her at: http://jadeleeauthor.com/appearances

Reviews

[kris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gillian Ames decides to take the place of her dead half-sister Amanda Faith Wyndham in London under the guardianship of Stephen Conley, Earl of Mavenford. They fight about proper conduct for a lady and discover boners for one another. Feelings, confessions, etc.

1. I feel like this is a good example of a trojan cake trope: there's a lot of layers and some half-assed icing but the actual innards of the thing are just ... hollow. Midway through the story, Gillian discovers herself "in love" with Stephen primarily, it seems, because of how handsome he is. Other than several obnoxious arguments, they don't truly converse about anything.

(I do acknowledge that Lee does have evidence in the text that their arguments have resulted in Stephen's shifted worldview, slightly, but Gillian doesn't truly examine her actions or engage with Stephen's side of things at all. Tie this to the lack of non-arguing communication between them and I'm left wondering how we're meant to believe they have anything but boners for each other.)

2. Gillian is headstrong and fiesty! Stephen is autocratic and cold! There isn't much else there to hang a book on!

3. I think my biggest problem with this is the tone of their scenes together. Almost every argument from Stephen's POV ends with him acknowledging how his girl-ward has manipulated him, and almost every argument from Gillian's POV ends with her acknowledging how her overbearing guardian is trapping her in. They don't feel like peers, which means their relationship comes across much more uneven and icky.

4. It's bad news when I end up more curious about the "challenger" for the lady's hand over that of the alleged hero. JUST SAYIN'.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I read this novel, I felt uncomfortable with Gillian Ames' subterfuge, especially as Stephen Conley, the Earl of Mavenford is actually an honorable man, albeit more than a little stiff and a stickler for rules. However, Gillian's story made me wonder how many opportunistic crimes have been committed, especially by people who were at the end of their tether. The bright spot in this novel is the street urchin, Tom, who won Gillian's heart from the start and eventually Stephen's as well. From the blurb on this book, it would seem that the plot was lighthearted and witty, however, left me feeling sad. I didn't particularly like Gillian and felt sorry for Stephen. Nevertheless, this romance does end on a positive note. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.

[Richard Sommery-Gade · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun regency book, about a rebellious young lady, trying to have her cake and eat it too. Bucking the Rules of The Ton, when she really doesn't know why they where put in place to begin with. Coming within an inch of her life being ruined by cutthroats, she is rescued by the Earl who is ruling her life and aggravating her the most, of course he is the one that she in the end falls in love with, despite all the barriers and reasons it shouldn't happen. A good read for this type of book which I give a 4.8 due to spelling errors, which young lady at this point, if you are going to self publish, should not happen ! Otherwise a fun and can't put down for this type of romance novel.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

She's a Country Gal💃💋 in London
Back and forth on this one. Didn't like the continued deceit and lies of the female character at all, but I enjoyed the often humorous interactions and especially the rules imposed by the Earl🐺, her guardian. The rules were to keep her out of trouble but it seemed she always found ways around them.
I got this ebook from Amazon📚 with KU.

[Mysterious · Rating 2 out of 5]

Feckless, annoying girl. Plot full of holes.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book! The rules/rules breaking were quite humorous at times!

[Sarah Shaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

I forced myself to finish this thing. I don't know why I bothered. Bristles with annoying tropes and characters. We start with the first trope- the 'pretending to be someone else/pretending to be rich' one. Which can be rather charming, as with Heyer's 'Arabella'. There the deception is rather innocent and done on impulse. Here it's calculating and self-interested- and totally unbelievable. The heroine 'simply' buries her nasty but sickly half-sister under her own name. No questions asked. Easy-peasy.

Then we have 'rescuing the urchin'. Again, in 'Arabella' which seems to be a main source of this book's tropes, this can be heartfelt and show a serious side to the heroine's character- or it can be a rather obvious attempt to give the heroine some redeeming characteristics. Since the heroine then goes on to listen at keyholes, barge into conversations without knowing what they're about, pick locks and read private diaries (and then, with jaw-dropping gall, berate the victim for not mentioning HER), climb down trellises barefoot in the middle of the night and promptly get herself into a potentially deadly fix- not once but TWICE she ends up needing a lot of redeeming and a whole host of urchins have to be called in to do the job.

Needless to say it all works out in the end- as it must as long as you have urchins handy to foist on the hero and you love your mommy.

Sigh. Possibly I'm being too hard on this book. I was looking for light reading, but I'm truly not in the mood for this kind of 'la-la-la I can do whatever I like and there are never any consequences' foolishness as I watch the pandemic statistics grow.

[Miriamgreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quite complex and engaging story with excellent h/h good description, excellent secondary characters and a mystery that only the hero does not figure out until the end. In this the grandmother was a star. Gillian ames buries herself and takes on her half sister's disguise to come to london for a season. She has made her tombstone and gone to her guardian's home for a debut. An Earl, Stephen has an instant attraction to the hoyden riding on the top of the mail coach when he comes to collect her. She is not a lady, but she is fascinating, loyal, intelligent, a healer, and quite beautiful. The plot has her rescue an urchin, survive two attacks and near rape, marry under a false name for her dowers to a marquis nearly under blackmail and goes off. Meanwhile Stephen is in the bottle because he cannot marry a bastard until his grandmother says why not? she has known from the beginning. He rides vent a terre to reach wedding ten minutes late. but the catch, a false name, an annulment, and Stephen the earl marries Gilliam Ames the bastard daughter of a bastard lord and her mother the maid. This was a definite re-read for the days ahead. It is difficult to process out outside reality at this moment during a pandemic, we are shut down in CT, and since Trump was elected have read these books at least one a day for escape. Some are not engaging and some are. this one was.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

DECEPTION breeds a lesson in will vs wit & ... LOVE!

A tale wrapped up in a delicious wealth of smile inducing sharp wit, provocation and temptation. As Stephen attempts to make a 'lady' out of his unashamedly herself ward. Where a battle of wits ensues cleverly threaded with a bucket load of heartache beneath the humour.
Smart, clever and beguilling in its word play. I just soaked it all up. I mindlessly smiled, laughed and remained in awe of Gillian's warmth and compassion wrapped up in a razor-sharp wit and audacious gumption. While equally finding myself fighting back the tears at the sentiment that lay beneath her bold deception and Stephen's building attraction and love for her as he attempted to keep her safe from the scrapes and consequences of her convictions, not to mention, sheer gall. I wholeheartedly enjoyed every minute of this tale as sparks and intellectual fireworks flew in each battle of will versus wit as the chemistry just crackled.
Such a wonderful work of levity and joy with a balance of touching discovery and heart that runs at its core. A wonderfully fun and touching novella to brighten up any day!

[Joycee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yikes! I started this two and a half years ago, and only got through a third of it at first.

I didn’t bother to restart ... and just proceeded from where I left off before, so I didn’t know all the history and how Gillian became Amanda.

And she annoyed me at first this time around ... I know that thwarting the “rules” were all for the benefit of maintaining her true self, even as she masqueraded as her half-sister, but she couldn’t seem to meet Stephen halfway!

But all’s well that ends well. The beginning of the end was when Stephen rescued her from a harrowing experience (that could have been more brutal if he hadn’t gotten to her in time, thanks to little Tom), and when wise old Mom finally gave her son a verbal smack-upside-the-head. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Thanks to Geoffrey (and Sophia) for graciously backing down and letting Stephen and *Gillian* have their happily ever after.

Maybe I’ll read more of Ms. Lee’s books. But not right now. On to some others I’d temporarily quit ... I should finish my “Currently Reading” pile before moving on to “fresh” books. 😆

[Neena Thakur · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a charming and lovely story ,by Jade Lee ,who has skilfully entwined an impossibly unconventional Heroine,with a very conventional hero.
Their love story starts off sweetly ,with many stormy arguments, and out of the ordinary events .
That somehow brings both the Earl of Mavenfotd and his ward ,, pretending to be an imposter for a high born landed lady,when she is only a common serf.

But her most endearing quality of compassion, empathy for poor , impoverished children ,her sparking emerald eyes and burnished red hair ,make the very staid and stuck up Earl of Maverick fall madly in love with her.
Despite her penchant for getting into trouble, behaving obnoxiously,and championing lost causes.
Their turbulent love affair,comes with many twists and turns.
Upheavals and shocks.
This is a story of subterfuge and deception at the highest level.
It highlights the pathos and extreme poverty,faced by the poor English people, compared to the ostentatious lifestyle of the rich.
The extreme disparity and suffering.
Also plight of snall children usually abandoned by poor parents,or used by them to earn money ,or a means of livelihood.
The author has highlighted this ,in the child Tom's character, the sweet street urchin,who is an expert pickpocket,and theif.
Bringing the this divide of rich versus poor , and the desperation to live a good life ,is what the heroine Gillian,portrays.
Her ignoble plan to pose as her dead ,but rich aristocrat sister ,seems , morally wrong but ethically right.
How she was sexually abused as a child by the church.
The author practically wills her audience to forgive her ,the fraud.
Since she has her heart in the right place, worrying about the street urchin Tom ,and doing it for her mother.
However,the plot seems weak ,as her Mother dies waiting, while Gillian is dancing in fabulous gowns ,at balls being declared an original.
But she finally redeems herself.
And has a happy ending
A highly interesting read.
I received this frree ebook from Ediscovery, I write my honestll review from my own frree will.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gillian Ames was born an illegimate child. She is bold, confident, and determined to get what she wants. Married with wealth and title. Her father, a Baron threw her by the wayside, Gillian's mother loves her, but they lived in poverty.

Her half-sister, Amanda Faith Wyndham became ill and passed away. Gillian decides to change her identity. She enters into her new world as Amanda, but she is a ward to Stephen Conley, Earl of Mavenford.

Their moral principles are complete opposites. There begins the battle. Amanda is constantly reprimanded about her etiquette. Amanda's goal is to marry wealthy, titled, and go back and take care of her mother.

This is Book 1, in the series A Lady's Lessons. This was an entertaining read. The author's writing keeps the reader engrossed from the first page. A cast of engaging and compelling characters.
I received this book for free from ebook discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I did find this to be an entertaining read on the whole, although the pace of the story did slow down a little half way through, then there was plenty of action in the latter part. I could understand Gillian wanting a better life for herself, especially after the way she had been treated by those who should know better. Who couldn’t like young Tom, such a mischievous imp, the scene in the crypt had me laughing. Stephen, Earl of Mavenford, was certainly a man who liked to be on control of things, something he found difficult with Gillian around. There are some interesting secondary characters and the dowager countess is not to be underestimated. This has a happy ending for a number of people. I received a copy via eBooks Discovery and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. However I had purchased my own copy.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gillian Ames or Amanda Wyndham?
The death of a sister gives another a chance at a different life at least that is what Gillian hopes. Gillian will become Amanda and the ward of Stephen, the Earl of Mavenford. They are both very attracted to each other, but Stephen feels there is a mystery around Amanda and set off to solve it. The lies will come out, but Geoffrey will step in. Who in the end will she be Amanda or Gillian? I liked the characters Stephen was a bit stuffy and his mother put on a good show but Geoffrey was straight on honest and he was my favorite. I am happy to recommend this book it was really entertaining. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Holly Lenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rules for a Lady is a fun period romance about a spunky young woman who takes her dead sister’s place in order to secure a good marriage and thus a future for herself. I enjoyed the book very much; however, I will say I much preferred for fiancé to the love interest. I hope he is featured in another book.

Contains mild sexual contact, but no sex scenes.

“I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review."

[Nicole Normand · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book discounted on Amazon via eBookDiscovery.
The story goes from sad to extremely funny, to endearing, then to a bit of horror (but a second later he stood, tugging open his ragged breeches), then back to sad - enough to make me cry a bit - and funny. The end is a smart twist and the trellis scene is hilarious, even though there was danger at every corner. Gillian and Stephen are made to be together and they have the blessing of everyone that counts.

[Carolyn Garnaas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saved from a life without romance!

I never thought to find another Regency romance novelist with the gifts Georgette Heyer possessed. I’ve read ALL Heyer’s books, first as a twenty-something and again in my forties. Now well into my retirement years, I’ve found Jade Lee! What a gift! So happy now!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s Okay

“Rules for a lady?” If the heroine was determined to pass herself as her “aristocrat half sister” for a better life for both herself and her ailing mother, I would think she would adapt and follow the rules... instead her total disregard is the telling of the story. A 3 star rating - the heroine’s “misbehaving” is funny.

[Toyenlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and entertaining read. Gillian, a bastard, impersonated her late half sister, Amanda, and came to London for her season under the sponsorship of her cousin, Stephen, the Earl of Mavenford. Will she be able to succeed in her scheming or will she be found out?.... "I received this book from eBook discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review".

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Difficult but Good

A difficult plot that requires a high level of suspension of belief, with criminal behaviour that at the time could have resulted in a hanging.
The rules were amusing and more could have been made of that aspect, as well as the characters of the Dowager Countess and young Tom.
Certainly enjoyable enough to read the next book.

[Phyllis Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rules for a Lady

This has been a very enjoyable story full of intrigue, humor,and romance. Amanda (Gillian) and Stephen were a couple that were meant to be together from their first encounter.

[Cathy Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book!

What a great story. Theirs was a bumpy road to true love. It was hard to put the book down, couldn't wait to see what kind of argument they would have next. A very entertaining and enjoyable book.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

RULES FOR A LADY: is an excellent read. Full of mischief and defiance our heroine steals an identity to enter society. Our hero, the Earl of Mavenford is perfect.... calm, handsome and rich. The two of them tangle, cavort and laugh !

[Lisa Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story line

What a fun read! Totally different type of plot yet very believable. I really enjoyed Gillian's character and Stephen when he loosened up, which wasn't often enough! I hope Geoffrey has his story, I liked how he was with Gillian.

[ChristineZ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF Heroine Amanda/Gillian bugged me. She is pretending to be another woman, but rather than be calculating and careful, she flits around London like an idiot. Plus, the evil Reverend was over-the-top.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of fun and light

[Cecilia Rodriguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Regency Era romance that draws some inspiration from Mark
Twain's: The Prince and the pauper.

[Michele Pumphrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read

It was a pleasure to read this book. The dialogue, characters, and plotline kept me entertained. Jade Lee is a wonderful author.

[Angela]

2 March 2020: $0.99 on Kindle

[Gwamsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gillian and Stephan

This is entertainment at its best. Well written, funny, poignant and thoroughly enjoyable. I have become a Jade Lee fan.